Electrical safety certification
This self-directed training program helps emergency responders learn to safely identify and respond to incidents involving electric power lines and other facilities. It includes a series of educational modules that you can complete at your own pace, followed by online interactive quizzes that test your understanding of the training material.
Successfully complete all seven modules with a score of 80% on the quizzes, and you will earn a personalized Certificate of Completion. This certificate demonstrates mastery of a subject area and may satisfy additional training hours required by your department.
Evergy may provide electricity in your department’s response area. If Evergy is not the local electricity provider at an incident scene, please coordinate your electrical incident response with the local electric utility.
Please note: This training reflects industry best practices but is not intended as a substitute for formal tactical training or your organization’s guidelines. Please consult with your training officer to ensure all appropriate formal training has taken place, and be sure to follow your department’s SOPs/SOGs.
To begin the course, you must start with Module 1. A module is considered complete when you have completed all of its topics and passed its quiz. Completed modules are indicated by a check mark. You may leave the program at any time and return to resume where you let off.
Course Content
Module 2. The Electric Distribution System
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2.1 Power Plants
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2.2 Switchyards
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2.3 Transmission Lines
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2.4 Substations
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2.5 Distribution Lines
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2.6 Primary and Secondary Lines
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2.7 Insulators, Transformers and Regulators
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2.8 Other Distribution Line Fixtures
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2.9 Underground Lines
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2.10 Pad-Mounted Transformers
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2.11 Underground Vaults
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2.12 Service Wires and Weatherheads
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2.13 Service Panels
- 2.1 Power Plants
- 2.2 Switchyards
- 2.3 Transmission Lines
- 2.4 Substations
- 2.5 Distribution Lines
- 2.6 Primary and Secondary Lines
- 2.7 Insulators, Transformers and Regulators
- 2.8 Other Distribution Line Fixtures
- 2.9 Underground Lines
- 2.10 Pad-Mounted Transformers
- 2.11 Underground Vaults
- 2.12 Service Wires and Weatherheads
- 2.13 Service Panels
Module 3. Fires Involving Electric Facilities
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3.1 Arriving on the Scene
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3.2 Protecting the Public
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3.3 Safeguards
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3.4 What NOT to Do
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3.5 Substation Fires
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3.6 Extinguishing Substation Fires
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3.7 Transmission Line Fires
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3.8 Distribution Line Fires
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3.9 Vault and Manhole Emergencies
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3.10 Structure Fires
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3.11 Approaching a Structure
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3.12 Weatherheads
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3.13 De-Energizing and Entering
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3.14 Asbestos and Lead Awareness
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3.15 Asbestos and Lead Precautions
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3.16 Oil Release Precautions
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3.17 PCB Hazards
- 3.1 Arriving on the Scene
- 3.2 Protecting the Public
- 3.3 Safeguards
- 3.4 What NOT to Do
- 3.5 Substation Fires
- 3.6 Extinguishing Substation Fires
- 3.7 Transmission Line Fires
- 3.8 Distribution Line Fires
- 3.9 Vault and Manhole Emergencies
- 3.10 Structure Fires
- 3.11 Approaching a Structure
- 3.12 Weatherheads
- 3.13 De-Energizing and Entering
- 3.14 Asbestos and Lead Awareness
- 3.15 Asbestos and Lead Precautions
- 3.16 Oil Release Precautions
- 3.17 PCB Hazards
Module 4. Downed Power Lines
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4.1 Downed Power Line Hazards
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4.2 Parking Tips
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4.3 Approaching Downed Lines
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4.4 Coil Memory
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4.5 Securing the Area
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4.6 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: No Imminent Danger
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4.7 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: Imminent Danger
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4.8 Aerial Equipment Contact: No Imminent Danger
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4.9 Aerial Equipment Contact: Imminent Danger
- 4.1 Downed Power Line Hazards
- 4.2 Parking Tips
- 4.3 Approaching Downed Lines
- 4.4 Coil Memory
- 4.5 Securing the Area
- 4.6 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: No Imminent Danger
- 4.7 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: Imminent Danger
- 4.8 Aerial Equipment Contact: No Imminent Danger
- 4.9 Aerial Equipment Contact: Imminent Danger
Module 5. Solar PV System Basics
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5.1 What Is Solar Power?
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5.2 Variation in PV Systems
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5.3 PV Hazard Awareness
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5.4 Roof-Mounted PV Systems
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5.5 Ground-Mounted PV Systems
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5.6 Grid-Tied PV Systems
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5.7 Off-Grid PV Systems
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5.8 Hybrid PV Systems
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5.9 Arrays
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5.10 Inverters
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5.11 Conduits
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5.12 Batteries
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5.13 Meters
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5.14 Labeling and Signage
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5.15 Structural Risks
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5.16 Electrical and Chemical Risks
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5.17 Review
- 5.1 What Is Solar Power?
- 5.2 Variation in PV Systems
- 5.3 PV Hazard Awareness
- 5.4 Roof-Mounted PV Systems
- 5.5 Ground-Mounted PV Systems
- 5.6 Grid-Tied PV Systems
- 5.7 Off-Grid PV Systems
- 5.8 Hybrid PV Systems
- 5.9 Arrays
- 5.10 Inverters
- 5.11 Conduits
- 5.12 Batteries
- 5.13 Meters
- 5.14 Labeling and Signage
- 5.15 Structural Risks
- 5.16 Electrical and Chemical Risks
- 5.17 Review
Module 6. Solar PV Incident Response Tactics
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6.1 Response Summary
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6.2 Notify and Work With Evergy
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6.3 Size Up the Scene
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6.4 What to Look For
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6.5 Communicate the Hazard
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6.6 Wear PPE and SCBA
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6.7 Keep Your Distance
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6.8 Isolate the PV System
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6.9 Safely Cover PV Arrays
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6.10 Extinguish the Fire
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6.11 Battery Hazards
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6.12 Risks of Structural Failure
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6.13 Incident Termination
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6.14 Review
- 6.1 Response Summary
- 6.2 Notify and Work With Evergy
- 6.3 Size Up the Scene
- 6.4 What to Look For
- 6.5 Communicate the Hazard
- 6.6 Wear PPE and SCBA
- 6.7 Keep Your Distance
- 6.8 Isolate the PV System
- 6.9 Safely Cover PV Arrays
- 6.10 Extinguish the Fire
- 6.11 Battery Hazards
- 6.12 Risks of Structural Failure
- 6.13 Incident Termination
- 6.14 Review
Module 7. Incidents Involving Battery Energy Storage Systems
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7.1 BESS Battery Types
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7.2 Current Uses of Li-ion Batteries
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7.3 Know the Hazards
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7.4 Li-ion Battery Structure
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7.5 Understanding Thermal Runaway and Propagation
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7.6 Four Stages of Battery Failure
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7.7 Stage 1: Abuse
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7.8 Stage 2: Off-Gassing
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7.9 The Tipping Point
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7.10 Stages 3 and 4: Smoke and Fire Generation
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7.11 Anticipating Thermal Runaway and Battery Failure
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7.12 Determining the Stage of Battery Failure
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7.13 Tactical Considerations for Mitigation
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7.14 Tactical Considerations for Containment
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7.15 Battery Management Systems
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7.16 Response Guidance and Intervention Tactics
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7.17 Utility-Scale and Large Commercial Installations
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7.18 Evacuation and Isolation
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7.19 Team Safety Considerations
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7.20 Review
- 7.1 BESS Battery Types
- 7.2 Current Uses of Li-ion Batteries
- 7.3 Know the Hazards
- 7.4 Li-ion Battery Structure
- 7.5 Understanding Thermal Runaway and Propagation
- 7.6 Four Stages of Battery Failure
- 7.7 Stage 1: Abuse
- 7.8 Stage 2: Off-Gassing
- 7.9 The Tipping Point
- 7.10 Stages 3 and 4: Smoke and Fire Generation
- 7.11 Anticipating Thermal Runaway and Battery Failure
- 7.12 Determining the Stage of Battery Failure
- 7.13 Tactical Considerations for Mitigation
- 7.14 Tactical Considerations for Containment
- 7.15 Battery Management Systems
- 7.16 Response Guidance and Intervention Tactics
- 7.17 Utility-Scale and Large Commercial Installations
- 7.18 Evacuation and Isolation
- 7.19 Team Safety Considerations
- 7.20 Review
Course Content
Module 2. The Electric Distribution System
-
2.1 Power Plants
-
2.2 Switchyards
-
2.3 Transmission Lines
-
2.4 Substations
-
2.5 Distribution Lines
-
2.6 Primary and Secondary Lines
-
2.7 Insulators, Transformers and Regulators
-
2.8 Other Distribution Line Fixtures
-
2.9 Underground Lines
-
2.10 Pad-Mounted Transformers
-
2.11 Underground Vaults
-
2.12 Service Wires and Weatherheads
-
2.13 Service Panels
- 2.1 Power Plants
- 2.2 Switchyards
- 2.3 Transmission Lines
- 2.4 Substations
- 2.5 Distribution Lines
- 2.6 Primary and Secondary Lines
- 2.7 Insulators, Transformers and Regulators
- 2.8 Other Distribution Line Fixtures
- 2.9 Underground Lines
- 2.10 Pad-Mounted Transformers
- 2.11 Underground Vaults
- 2.12 Service Wires and Weatherheads
- 2.13 Service Panels
Module 3. Fires Involving Electric Facilities
-
3.1 Arriving on the Scene
-
3.2 Protecting the Public
-
3.3 Safeguards
-
3.4 What NOT to Do
-
3.5 Substation Fires
-
3.6 Extinguishing Substation Fires
-
3.7 Transmission Line Fires
-
3.8 Distribution Line Fires
-
3.9 Vault and Manhole Emergencies
-
3.10 Structure Fires
-
3.11 Approaching a Structure
-
3.12 Weatherheads
-
3.13 De-Energizing and Entering
-
3.14 Asbestos and Lead Awareness
-
3.15 Asbestos and Lead Precautions
-
3.16 Oil Release Precautions
-
3.17 PCB Hazards
- 3.1 Arriving on the Scene
- 3.2 Protecting the Public
- 3.3 Safeguards
- 3.4 What NOT to Do
- 3.5 Substation Fires
- 3.6 Extinguishing Substation Fires
- 3.7 Transmission Line Fires
- 3.8 Distribution Line Fires
- 3.9 Vault and Manhole Emergencies
- 3.10 Structure Fires
- 3.11 Approaching a Structure
- 3.12 Weatherheads
- 3.13 De-Energizing and Entering
- 3.14 Asbestos and Lead Awareness
- 3.15 Asbestos and Lead Precautions
- 3.16 Oil Release Precautions
- 3.17 PCB Hazards
Module 4. Downed Power Lines
-
4.1 Downed Power Line Hazards
-
4.2 Parking Tips
-
4.3 Approaching Downed Lines
-
4.4 Coil Memory
-
4.5 Securing the Area
-
4.6 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: No Imminent Danger
-
4.7 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: Imminent Danger
-
4.8 Aerial Equipment Contact: No Imminent Danger
-
4.9 Aerial Equipment Contact: Imminent Danger
- 4.1 Downed Power Line Hazards
- 4.2 Parking Tips
- 4.3 Approaching Downed Lines
- 4.4 Coil Memory
- 4.5 Securing the Area
- 4.6 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: No Imminent Danger
- 4.7 Vehicles Contacting Utility Poles: Imminent Danger
- 4.8 Aerial Equipment Contact: No Imminent Danger
- 4.9 Aerial Equipment Contact: Imminent Danger
Module 5. Solar PV System Basics
-
5.1 What Is Solar Power?
-
5.2 Variation in PV Systems
-
5.3 PV Hazard Awareness
-
5.4 Roof-Mounted PV Systems
-
5.5 Ground-Mounted PV Systems
-
5.6 Grid-Tied PV Systems
-
5.7 Off-Grid PV Systems
-
5.8 Hybrid PV Systems
-
5.9 Arrays
-
5.10 Inverters
-
5.11 Conduits
-
5.12 Batteries
-
5.13 Meters
-
5.14 Labeling and Signage
-
5.15 Structural Risks
-
5.16 Electrical and Chemical Risks
-
5.17 Review
- 5.1 What Is Solar Power?
- 5.2 Variation in PV Systems
- 5.3 PV Hazard Awareness
- 5.4 Roof-Mounted PV Systems
- 5.5 Ground-Mounted PV Systems
- 5.6 Grid-Tied PV Systems
- 5.7 Off-Grid PV Systems
- 5.8 Hybrid PV Systems
- 5.9 Arrays
- 5.10 Inverters
- 5.11 Conduits
- 5.12 Batteries
- 5.13 Meters
- 5.14 Labeling and Signage
- 5.15 Structural Risks
- 5.16 Electrical and Chemical Risks
- 5.17 Review
Module 6. Solar PV Incident Response Tactics
-
6.1 Response Summary
-
6.2 Notify and Work With Evergy
-
6.3 Size Up the Scene
-
6.4 What to Look For
-
6.5 Communicate the Hazard
-
6.6 Wear PPE and SCBA
-
6.7 Keep Your Distance
-
6.8 Isolate the PV System
-
6.9 Safely Cover PV Arrays
-
6.10 Extinguish the Fire
-
6.11 Battery Hazards
-
6.12 Risks of Structural Failure
-
6.13 Incident Termination
-
6.14 Review
- 6.1 Response Summary
- 6.2 Notify and Work With Evergy
- 6.3 Size Up the Scene
- 6.4 What to Look For
- 6.5 Communicate the Hazard
- 6.6 Wear PPE and SCBA
- 6.7 Keep Your Distance
- 6.8 Isolate the PV System
- 6.9 Safely Cover PV Arrays
- 6.10 Extinguish the Fire
- 6.11 Battery Hazards
- 6.12 Risks of Structural Failure
- 6.13 Incident Termination
- 6.14 Review
Module 7. Incidents Involving Battery Energy Storage Systems
-
7.1 BESS Battery Types
-
7.2 Current Uses of Li-ion Batteries
-
7.3 Know the Hazards
-
7.4 Li-ion Battery Structure
-
7.5 Understanding Thermal Runaway and Propagation
-
7.6 Four Stages of Battery Failure
-
7.7 Stage 1: Abuse
-
7.8 Stage 2: Off-Gassing
-
7.9 The Tipping Point
-
7.10 Stages 3 and 4: Smoke and Fire Generation
-
7.11 Anticipating Thermal Runaway and Battery Failure
-
7.12 Determining the Stage of Battery Failure
-
7.13 Tactical Considerations for Mitigation
-
7.14 Tactical Considerations for Containment
-
7.15 Battery Management Systems
-
7.16 Response Guidance and Intervention Tactics
-
7.17 Utility-Scale and Large Commercial Installations
-
7.18 Evacuation and Isolation
-
7.19 Team Safety Considerations
-
7.20 Review
- 7.1 BESS Battery Types
- 7.2 Current Uses of Li-ion Batteries
- 7.3 Know the Hazards
- 7.4 Li-ion Battery Structure
- 7.5 Understanding Thermal Runaway and Propagation
- 7.6 Four Stages of Battery Failure
- 7.7 Stage 1: Abuse
- 7.8 Stage 2: Off-Gassing
- 7.9 The Tipping Point
- 7.10 Stages 3 and 4: Smoke and Fire Generation
- 7.11 Anticipating Thermal Runaway and Battery Failure
- 7.12 Determining the Stage of Battery Failure
- 7.13 Tactical Considerations for Mitigation
- 7.14 Tactical Considerations for Containment
- 7.15 Battery Management Systems
- 7.16 Response Guidance and Intervention Tactics
- 7.17 Utility-Scale and Large Commercial Installations
- 7.18 Evacuation and Isolation
- 7.19 Team Safety Considerations
- 7.20 Review